One big stressor for me finally got resolved to day though - my dental school application. I finally completed it and sent it in. cost me over $800 and a lot or hard work, but it will all be worth it (or so I keep telling myself). Here's a copy of my personal statement that I submitted with it:
Throughout my life I have been privileged to be surrounded by selfless people. Everyone from my parents or church leaders to my family dentist has helped me to realize the importance of service to others. Growing up in a small farming town, I realized the importance of hard work at a young age. I have strived in everything I do to perform to the best of my abilities and feel that these two qualities, hard work and service, have been among the best lessons I have learned in my life. As a young man planning for the future, I looked forward to applying these virtues in my career.
I spent the majority of my childhood growing up in the rural Columbia Basin of Washington. Having grown up in a small farming town, I have learned first hand the value of hard work and good morals. I enjoy the small-town lifestyle and look forward to serving the rural communities that often lacks quality dental care. I have seen dental problems caused by those who cannot afford insurance. I also have personal experience in this area, as my wife and I, being full time students, have lacked the money and insurance to get cavities fixed.
I cannot say exactly when I decided that dentistry would be the career for me, but I do remember some events that touched me so deeply that I never thought about dentists the same afterward. At the age of nineteen, I made the decision to a full time service mission for my church. Before heading down to
I spent the next two years in
Since returning, I have been privileged to continue my community service as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America organization, as a youth leader in the local branch of my church, and as a member of the
During my final year of undergraduate studies at
Having shadowed dentists these last couple years, I have become very intrigued and excited about the artistic aspect of dentistry. I have learned a great deal about the field, and now have a much greater appreciation and anticipation for the artistic opportunities that lie ahead of me. Having realized the necessity of artistic skills, I have worked to add drawing and model making to my already developed guitar and piano playing skills to improve my manual dexterity.
There are many reasons why I have chosen dentistry: its combination of art and science, the challenging opportunities for life-long learning and mastery, and the ability to develop meaningful relationships with community members. But for me, the most worthwhile and satisfying factor that dentistry has to offer is its opportunity to provide service and make a difference in the community.
That is actually not the final one, but pretty close. Anyway, I'm pretty happy with it overall and think I have a pretty good application. I just hope I'm not too late in the year to be one of the first considered. I just hope I get in. Even just 2 acceptances would be perfect, some choice so I don't get stuck with a crappier school. Ah heck, who am I kiddin, if I get into any school I'll be happy.
Ok, so I also got a job interview and finally sold my ipod to a guy today. Payed my tithing yesterday after 3 mo. Go figure. Its nice to see the blessings so quickly. I should try this diligence thing more often. Well, I'd better go play some Fight Night 3. Later.
